Gus Michell, born December 23, 1868, of August C. and Mina Michell, who had immigrated from Germany in 1863 to settle in Rock Grove township, was the youngest of six children. His brothers and sisters were Gus A., Anna, Martin, Adolph and Nellie. As a young man he worked for Boggs and Conner Grocery (1885-1890) and soon opened his own business, first in what is presently Abotts's barber shop and, in 1894, across the street in what is presently Turner's Cafe. He was in the grocery business in Rockford for 42 years, beginning in partnership with Stephen B. Cogswell, whose daughetr Mr. Michell married August 27, 1887. To Mr. Michell and his wife Minnie were born four children - Glenn, the eldest who married Floy Wyatt; Geneveive; Elizabeth; and Burr. Mr. Michell was involved in the First National Bank, one of the early promoters of the Rockford Brick and Tile Company in 1910, as well as county auditor form 1933 to 1948.